The scoop on power outages
Helpful info on dealing with service interruptions in your area
Summer weather like high winds, hot temperatures and severe storms can cause serious damage to our electricity grid. That damage can lead to power outages like the ones Ohio faced earlier this month.
Read PUCO Chair French's statement about recent power outages.
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Ohio Governor Mike DeWine also issued a statement on the power outages, supporting a review of the actions taken by electric companies.
Read Governor DeWine's statement here.
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As the state's utility regulator, the PUCO closely monitors outages and requires electric utilities to meet reliability standards.
Learn more about outage tracking and reliability standards here.
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Before service interruptions happen, there are a few things you can do ahead of time to be prepared. If or when your power goes out, you should report it to your electric company.
Find our guide to being prepared for power outages and answers to common questions about outages here.
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Conserving energy and water during the summer months can save you money and reduce the strain on the grid during extreme weather events.
Discover simple tips on how to save energy in your home.
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Have questions about outages in your area or need help with utility issues? The PUCO's Consumer Call Center is here to assist.
Contact the PUCO Consumer Call Center online here.
Summer Crisis Program starts July 1
The Home Energy Assistance Summer Crisis Program (SCP) provides eligible Ohioans assistance with electric bills, central air conditioning repairs, and air conditioning unit or fan purchases.
The program runs from July 1, 2022 through Sept. 30, 2022.
Eligible participants receive a one-time payment of up to $500 for customers of PUCO-regulated utilities or $800 for unregulated utilities.
Click here for details about the program and eligibility requirements.
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New Ohio Power Siting Board story map
Before construction can begin on any major utility facility or economically significant wind farm within the state of Ohio, a developer must apply and obtain a certificate of environmental compatibility and public need from the Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB). When the OPSB reviews these applications, the process can be quite lengthy and complex.
A new story map now details OPSB's review process and demonstrates how applications are dealt with from start to finish. From preapplication to decisions and appeals, the story map walks users through the entire process step-by-step.
Check out the new story map here!
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OPSB invites public comment on proposed rule changes
The Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) has issued proposed rules to amend Ohio Administrative Code 4906-1 through 4906-7. The OPSB requests that interested persons submit comments on the proposed rules by July 22, 2022 and submit reply comments by Aug. 12, 2022.
Changes recommended in the proposed rules include:
- Improving the OPSB review process and public participation in that process.
- Improving upon the technical information filed within an application to the OPSB.
- Enhancing the construction monitoring and compliance process after a certificate is obtained.
- Eliminating duplication: Ohio Administrative Code chapters 4906-4 and 4906-5 presently contain many of the same requirements. The proposed rules merge these into one chapter to streamline the communication of application requirements.
Click here to learn more about the rules and how to participate.
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🌩️ Lightning Safety Awareness Week 🌩️
Summer storms can turn dangerous quickly! Be aware, stay alert and follow these tips to stay safe when lightning is around:
- If you hear thunder, lightning is close enough to strike. Move to safe shelter!
- Stay away from objects that conduct electricity or put you in direct contact with electricity.
- Immediately get out and stay away from bodies of water like ponds, lakes or oceans.
- Stay in safe shelter until 30 minutes after you hear the last sound of thunder.
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View all open positions at Careers.Ohio.gov.
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